Found 368 bookmarks
Custom sorting
Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19
Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19
Cognitive problems are common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be disabling and frightening Symptoms tend to improve, but this may take up to a year. Those with chronically persistent symptoms lasting more than 12 months have a lower chance of improving Symptoms usually fluctuate Assessment should be directed to documenting the nature and trajectory of the impairment and excluding alternative diagnoses Self-management techniques may help patients manage their condition As of March 2023, when the Office for National Statistics stopped collecting data on this condition, 1.879 million individuals had self-assessed as having long covid—symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks following acute covid-19 infection. Of these, the proportion of individuals with symptoms lasting two years or more is around 42%, suggesting a decline in new cases of long covid but a persistence of those with ongoing symptoms.1 Some systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported that up to a third of such individuals have persistent symptoms of cognitive impairment,23 but estimates vary widely and are complicated by methodological heterogeneity—eg, study size, assessment approach, follow-up duration, and different sampling frames (from self-reported surveys4 to large retrospective matched cohort studies of health records5), as discussed in a recent meta-analysis.6 The pathological underpinnings and potential therapeutic possibilities for cognitive impairment in long covid are also uncertain. The bulk of evidence to date is mechanistic (using basic science, animal models, or human tissue), observational (using longitudinal cohort studies), or hypothetical (reasoning from basic principles); this literature has been well summarised by the RECOVER Consortium.7 Because of the methodological heterogeneity, even when individual studies have been rigorously conducted, it is difficult to know to what extent their findings can be extrapolated and generalised across those with long covid. A few randomised controlled trials of potential treatments (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) have been completed, and others are under way.7 Cognitive performance is typically conceptualised in terms of functional domains depending upon the task at hand. Domains are hierarchical and inter-related, ranging from more basic sensory and perceptual processes to executive functioning and cognitive control.8 Both psychometric studies and qualitative studies of the patient experience identify problems across one or more of these domains. The most frequent symptoms seem to affect memory, attention, and concentration9 but discrete impairments are also seen in attentional and executive processing,1011 different types of memory,1012 visuospatial processing,13 and language.12 Many patients show deficits in multiple domains,1214 which may or may not correlate with self-reported symptoms.15 Moreover, linked systemic symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and a general befuddled state frequently termed “brain fog” are commonly reported. This seems to wax and wane with physical fatigue.16 A higher symptom burden is often associated with concomitant mood disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder, regardless of illness severity.15171819 Longitudinal cohort, case control, and qualitative studies have shown that while many individuals improve gradually over time, cognitive symptoms fluctuate unpredictably, causing uncertainty and (in some) anxiety.9202122 These impairments can have profound impacts on an individual’s life, with significant ramifications for relationships, jobs, and normal daily activities.422 This article explores the impact of these symptoms and offers a practical guide for GPs to help them approach cognitive dysfunction in individuals with long covid as indicated by the evolving and conflicting evidence base. An account from a patient’s perspective is given in box 1. Box 1 Patient experience When I got covid in December 2020 I was worried about what might happen. It was before vaccines, and the news was full of statistics of the hospitalised and those who’d lost their lives. After my 14 day isolation I was relieved to get back to normal life, thinking I had dodged quite a bullet. I was quickly aware that something wasn’t right. At the time of my infection I was a drama teacher in a secondary school. I remember being at work in January 2021 and finding it impossible to concentrate on what I had to do. Trying to focus made my head spin, and working on a computer screen was almost impossible. In the classroom I couldn’t process what was happening around me like I used to be able to, there was a sharpness lost, and that had a significant impact on both my teaching ability and classroom management. After several attempts at returning to work it became clear that I wasn’t able to continue, and I left teaching in January 2022. Alongside my difficulties focusing there are problems with memory. Remembering things from one minute to the next is often diff
·bmj.com·
Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19
Blood–brain barrier disruption and sustained systemic inflammation in individuals with long COVID-associated cognitive impairment
Blood–brain barrier disruption and sustained systemic inflammation in individuals with long COVID-associated cognitive impairment
Covid can disrupt the blood brain barrier, the shield that protects the nervous system making it ‘leaky’.
·nature.com·
Blood–brain barrier disruption and sustained systemic inflammation in individuals with long COVID-associated cognitive impairment
Prospective Memory Assessment before and after Covid-19 | NEJM
Prospective Memory Assessment before and after Covid-19 | NEJM
“In a group of Norwegian participants assessed between March 2020 and April 2023, participant-reported memory function, as scored on the EMQ, was numerically worse at several time points up to 36 months after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test than after a negative test.”
In a group of Norwegian participants assessed between March 2020 and April 2023, participant-reported memory function, as scored on the EMQ, was numerically worse at several time points up to 36 months after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test than after a negative test.
·nejm.org·
Prospective Memory Assessment before and after Covid-19 | NEJM
Inflammation may link COVID-19 severity to the onset of neurological symptoms
Inflammation may link COVID-19 severity to the onset of neurological symptoms
“neuroinflammation is independent of disease severity and may be one of the main causes of neurological disorders associated with COVID-19. She points out that even patients with milder cases showed significant changes in the CSF, suggesting that the body's inflammatory response may affect the brain in ways not yet fully understood.”
neuroinflammation is independent of disease severity and may be one of the main causes of neurological disorders associated with COVID-19. She points out that even patients with milder cases showed significant changes in the CSF, suggesting that the body's inflammatory response may affect the brain in ways not yet fully understood.
·medicalxpress.com·
Inflammation may link COVID-19 severity to the onset of neurological symptoms
Cerebral blood flow alterations and host genetic association in individuals with long COVID: A transcriptomic-neuroimaging study - Yao Wang, Ziwei Yang, Xiumei Zheng, Xiao Liang, Lin Wu, Chengsi Wu, Jiankun Dai, Yuan Cao, Meng Li, Fuqing Zhou, 2024
Cerebral blood flow alterations and host genetic association in individuals with long COVID: A transcriptomic-neuroimaging study - Yao Wang, Ziwei Yang, Xiumei Zheng, Xiao Liang, Lin Wu, Chengsi Wu, Jiankun Dai, Yuan Cao, Meng Li, Fuqing Zhou, 2024
Cerebral blood flow alterations & host genetic association with long COVID: A transcriptomic-neuroimaging study
·journals.sagepub.com·
Cerebral blood flow alterations and host genetic association in individuals with long COVID: A transcriptomic-neuroimaging study - Yao Wang, Ziwei Yang, Xiumei Zheng, Xiao Liang, Lin Wu, Chengsi Wu, Jiankun Dai, Yuan Cao, Meng Li, Fuqing Zhou, 2024
Neuroinvasion and anosmia are independent phenomena upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
Neuroinvasion and anosmia are independent phenomena upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

SARS2 can invade your brain.

All variants are neuroinvasive.

Neuroinvasion and anosmia are independent phenomena upon infection.

SARS2 can travel retrogradely and anterogradely along axons in neuron-epithelial networks.

·nature.com·
Neuroinvasion and anosmia are independent phenomena upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
How wave of new dementias may be fueled by common culprit
How wave of new dementias may be fueled by common culprit

“new study has added fuel to concerns that America could face a surge in dementias in coming years & decades due to COVID.”

“Changes in blood flow could cause frequent, small injuries to brain tissue, depriving oxygen often enough to cause.. dementia.”

·dailymail.co.uk·
How wave of new dementias may be fueled by common culprit
A groundbreaking study aims to determine if long COVID-19 could lead to another type of dementia
A groundbreaking study aims to determine if long COVID-19 could lead to another type of dementia

“‘…there is evidence of fragments or an inflammatory kind of a massive inflammatory response that occurs triggered by COVID. And those inflammatory markers we tend to notice in the brain.’

And that could cause something called COVID-19 Cognitive Impairment.

‘And we are going to compare people with COVID cognitive impairment. To be clear on this, I think that COVID can cause cognitive impairment and maybe even dementia…’”

·kjzz.org·
A groundbreaking study aims to determine if long COVID-19 could lead to another type of dementia
Prevalence and co-occurrence of cognitive impairment in children and young people up to 12-months post infection with SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) - PubMed
Prevalence and co-occurrence of cognitive impairment in children and young people up to 12-months post infection with SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) - PubMed
Prevalence and co-occurrence of cognitive impairment in children and young people up to 12-months post infection with SARS-CoV-2
·pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·
Prevalence and co-occurrence of cognitive impairment in children and young people up to 12-months post infection with SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) - PubMed
COVID-related loss of smell tied to changes in the brain | CIDRAP
COVID-related loss of smell tied to changes in the brain | CIDRAP
“On MRI conducted during the game, loss of smell was associated with decreased functional activity during decision-making, loss of white-matter integrity, and thinning of the outer layer of the cerebrum in the parietal regions (responsible for processing sensory input, understanding spatial relationships, and how to navigate).”
·cidrap.umn.edu·
COVID-related loss of smell tied to changes in the brain | CIDRAP
Low Cortisol Levels May Be Key to Long COVID Symptoms
Low Cortisol Levels May Be Key to Long COVID Symptoms

Yet another stretch for one size fits all explanation of a multifaceted condition. Still, important finding:

“A groundbreaking study from the University of Colorado Boulder has uncovered a potential mechanism behind the persistent neurological symptoms experienced by many Long COVID sufferers. The research, published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, points to a significant drop in cortisol levels in the brain as a possible culprit, offering new insights into this complex and widespread condition.”

·scienceblog.com·
Low Cortisol Levels May Be Key to Long COVID Symptoms
Brain effects of mild COVID-19 in healthy young adults: A pilot study
Brain effects of mild COVID-19 in healthy young adults: A pilot study
“Our pilot data suggests that mild COVID-19 may result in brain pathology and impact neurocognitive function in younger adults in a manner parallel to prior findings in older individuals. Though findings may not generalize to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, larger longitudinal studies of mild COVID-19 should be undertaken to understand the potential clinical implications of these findings over the longer term.”
Our pilot data suggests that mild COVID-19 may result in brain pathology and impact neurocognitive function in younger adults in a manner parallel to prior findings in older individuals. Though findings may not generalize to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, larger longitudinal studies of mild COVID-19 should be undertaken to understand the potential clinical implications of these findings over the longer term.
·cell.com·
Brain effects of mild COVID-19 in healthy young adults: A pilot study
Study uncovers the basis of COVID-19-related brain fog | University of Minnesota
Study uncovers the basis of COVID-19-related brain fog | University of Minnesota

EXTREME and incomplete oversimplification of the many complex neurological issues caused by SarsCov2, but important facet of the vaguely defined “brain fog” of Long Covid and post-acute Covid lingering symptoms.

“Neurological symptoms have been widely observed in COVID-19 patients, with many survivors exhibiting persistent neurological and cognitive impairment. New research from the University of Minnesota found that COVID-19 triggers inflammation in the brain, which is linked to many COVID-related symptoms such as fatigue and ‘brain fog.’”

·twin-cities.umn.edu·
Study uncovers the basis of COVID-19-related brain fog | University of Minnesota
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
: “Patients who presented with anosmia exhibited more IMPULSIVE alternative changes…Anosmia correlated with brain measures, including decreased functional activity during the decision-making task, thinning of cortical thickness in parietal regions, and loss of white matter integrity.”
·nature.com·
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
“Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations”
·x.com·
Patients recovering from COVID-19 who presented with anosmia during their acute episode have behavioral, functional, and structural brain alterations
make sure that it hasn't returned. This year, my Dr. told me that they have found that if people who survived brain tumors get Covid, *all* the symptoms of their brain tumor will return. It has something to do with the hole in your brain that remains...
make sure that it hasn't returned. This year, my Dr. told me that they have found that if people who survived brain tumors get Covid, *all* the symptoms of their brain tumor will return. It has something to do with the hole in your brain that remains...
“This year, my Dr. told me that they have found that if people who survived brain tumors get Covid, all the symptoms of their brain tumor will return. It has something to do with the hole in your brain that remains...”
·x.com·
make sure that it hasn't returned. This year, my Dr. told me that they have found that if people who survived brain tumors get Covid, *all* the symptoms of their brain tumor will return. It has something to do with the hole in your brain that remains...
Want to see what a “COVID Brain” can look like?
Want to see what a “COVID Brain” can look like?

“Want to see what a “COVID Brain” can look like?

Here’s mine. The white spots are not supposed to be there. You can’t see the microhemorrhages or swelling.

Infected early March ‘20- pre-vaccine.But the threat is still here for everyone-vax or not, young or old.

Please mask up.”

·x.com·
Want to see what a “COVID Brain” can look like?
Mounting research shows that COVID-19 leaves its mark on the brain, including significant drops in IQ scores
Mounting research shows that COVID-19 leaves its mark on the brain, including significant drops in IQ scores

In addition to brain fog, COVID-19 can lead to an array of problems, including headaches, seizure disorders, strokes, sleep problems, and tingling and paralysis of the nerves, as well as several mental health disorders. A large and growing body of evidence amassed throughout the pandemic details the many ways that COVID-19 leaves an indelible mark on the brain. But the specific pathways by which the virus does so are still being elucidated, and curative treatments are nonexistent.

·timesunion.com·
Mounting research shows that COVID-19 leaves its mark on the brain, including significant drops in IQ scores